Get a Library Card
Library cards are free to anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Calcasieu Parish. A library card gives the applicant checkout privileges at any branch of the library. The card is valid for one year.
Lost library cards should be reported immediately to any branch of the Library. There is a $.50 fee to replace a lost card.
We also honor Library Southwest cards from the following parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Vernon. LSW cards are issued at your home parish. Please check with a local branch or your home parish for more details.
For more information on the Libraries Southwest Borrowing Service, click HERE.
Eighteen years old and over:
To apply for a library card, visit the Library nearest you and complete a registration card. Please present proof of a Photo I.D. and proof of address. Proof of address can be a driver's license, checkbook, or received mail. Once the application is complete, and I.D. requirements are met, a card will be issued.
Under eighteen years of age:
The registration card must be completed by the applicant, and signed by their parent or legal guardian. Please present proof of a Photo I.D. and proof of address. Proof of address can be a driver's license, checkbook, or received mail. Once the application is complete, and I.D. requirements are met, a card will be issued.
How to Check Out an Item
Present your library card at the desk with the items that you want to check out. If you've forgotten your card, present a photo I.D. You may keep books, books-on-tape, magazines, dvds, videos, and compact discs for two weeks. If the items become long overdue, you will lose your borrowing privileges until those items are returned or paid for.
Another way to check out items is with the new Self check machines at the Central Library and the Sulphur Regional Library.
How many items may I check out?
Library card limits:
Book (50) |
Text Center:
CD-Rom (10) |
Magazine (20) |
Items with holds
State Laws on confidentiality prohibit the library from allowing anyone but yourself from picking up items that you have on hold, unless the library has your permission, on record in the computer system, for others to pick up your items. Please check with a staff member for assistance. The Library has an automated system that will contact the patron about available holds. If we have an email address on file, an email will be sent notifiying the patron about the available hold.
Renewing Items
You may renew library material twice, if no one has placed a hold on the item. The limit is two renewals.
Renew items by visiting or calling any library branch in Calcasieu Parish; please have the items and your library card handy.
Or call the self-service number at (337) 437-4153 or 1-800-240-0212. This service is available 24 hours, seven days a week.
Plus, log on to the library catalog via the Internet; use MY ACCOUNT in the online library catalog.
If we have an email address on file, an email will be sent notifying the patron 3 days prior to the item(s) being overdue. A link to the library catalog enables the patron to renew items.
Returning Items
You may return items to any branch of the Calcasieu Parish Library, no matter where the items were checked out. Drop the items at the Circulation Desk or front desk, or after hours, in one of our drop boxes.
Do you have an email address? Here are some benefits for giving the library your address.
- Receive a notification that a hold is available for pickukp.
- Receive a notification that checked out items will be overdue in 3 days; a link to the library catalog enables the patron to renew items.
- Receive overdue alerts as well as bill notices.
Visit your local library branch and we will add your email address.
The fine for all library materials is 25 cents per item per day. There is a one-day grace period on all materials returned late when returned on the grace day. If material is returned after the grace period, the patron will be charged for all days that the item is late as the grace period is no longer applicable.
If you have lost an item, we ask that you pay for replacing that item. You do not have to pay any fines that have accumulated on the item. If you find an item that you have already paid for, bring the item to the library with your receipt, within 6 months. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will mail the refund.
If you lose your library card, please report it immediately to any library branch. If the card is not reported lost, and someone else checks out items on the card, you will still be responsible for the items checked out. The charge for a replacement card is 50 cents.
What is a Pin# and why do I need it?
A pin number is a four digit number giving access to your library account via the library catalog (iBistro) or through the 800 number (1-800-240-0212).
There you can place holds, review account information, or renew library material.
This number is used to access wireless access in the library or access the public computers in the library.
What if I forget it?
Contact your local library branch for assistance.
Can I change it online?
Through the online library catalog, iBistro. You do need your old pin# in order to change to a new one.
- Contact local library
- Online library catalog: iBistro
- Library Elf
- Self service number: (337) 437-4153 or 1-800-240-0212